All monitoring systems in Delhi have shown different readings in Capital’s air quality. Reading from the different monitoring machines indicate varying levels of Particulate Matters (PMs) — 2.5 and 10.
Experts in the Capital say that due to lack of coordination among the various institutions, it is difficult to come out with the real picture of deteriorating air quality in city.
There are five air quality monitoring agencies that have installed real time air monitoring stations at the various locations in Delhi whereas out of five; the stations of two agencies have been installed at the identical locations.
A senior official of the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) said that there is lack of coordination among Government agencies, “Indian monitoring stations are not technically equipped as compared to other countries. There is dichotomy about the prescribed standards of Particulate Matters in our country,” the official added.
A scientist, who participated in the International summit on pollution in Delhi and the United States (US) said “the testing methods were more efficient in Europe and the US as they could identify ten toxic elements in the air. We lack this expertise in our country”.
Mandir Marg, RK Puram, Anand Vihar, Punjbai Bagh and Civil lines are the primary locations in the national Capital where both Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCC) have installed Real Time Ambient Air Machines (RTAAM).
Surprisingly, the readings of both agencies’ meters are not same at the equivalent time and location, said an official.
For instance, PM 2.5 at Industrial residential rural area Anad Vihar was 473 and 82(µg/m3) on CPCB and DPCC meter respectively at 7pm where as PM 10 was also observed different on both meters which is 802 and 686(µg/m3).
Similarly, monitoring index of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), MoES showed different mass concentrations of PM levels. On the same time, PM 2.5 was 192 µg/m3 and PM 10 was 310 µg/m3. Also in Air Quality Index (AQI) located at United States Embassy in Delhi showed PM 2.5 98.3 µg/m3.
Not just the observations of PM levels but the concentrations of noxious gases were found to be different on all the monitors while locations and times were identical.